Healing the Heart: A Randomized Pilot Study of a Spiritual Retreat for Depression in Acute Coronary Syndrome Patients.
Warber, Sara L. MD 1,#; Ingerman, Sandra MA 2; Moura, Vera L. MD 3; Wunder, Jenna MPH 1; Northrop, Alyssa MPH 1; Gillespie, Brenda W. PhD 4; Durda, Kate MA 2; Smith, Katherine MPH 5; Rhodes, Katherine S. PhD 6; Rubenfire, Melvyn MD 6
[Article]
Explore: The Journal of Science & Healing.
7(4):222-233, July/August 2011.
(Format: HTML, PDF)
Background: Depression is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in coronary heart disease. Numerous conventional and complementary therapies may address depression. Few involving spirituality have been tested.
Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the effects of a nondenominational spiritual retreat, Medicine for the Earth (MFTE), on depression and other measures of well-being six- to 18-months post acute coronary syndrome (ACS).
Design/Setting: A randomized controlled pilot study of MFTE, Lifestyle Change Program (LCP), or usual cardiac care (control) was conducted in Southeastern Michigan.
Participants: ACS patients were recruited via local and national advertising (n = 58 enrolled, 41 completed).
Interventions: The four-day MFTE intervention included guided imagery, meditation, drumming, journal writing, and nature-based activities. The four-day LCP included nutrition education, exercise, and stress management. Both retreat groups received follow-up phone coaching biweekly for three months.
Main Outcome Measures: Validated self-report scales of depression, spiritual well-being, perceived stress, and hope were collected at baseline, immediately post-retreat, and at three and six months.
Results: Depression was not significantly different among groups (P = .21). However, the MFTE group had the highest depression scores at baseline and had significantly lower scores at all postintervention time points (P <= .002). Hope significantly improved among MFTE participants, an effect that persisted at three- and six-month follow-up (P = .014). Although several measures showed improvement in all groups by six months, the MFTE group had immediate improvement post-retreat, which was maintained.
Conclusions: This pilot study shows that a nondenominational spiritual retreat, MFTE, can be used to increase hope while reducing depression in patients with ACS.
(C)2011 Elsevier, Inc.